A PEDESTAL sits on a reflecting pool, with its sculpture punctuating the geometry of the space with its swirling curves.
A few weeks ago I was in Malaysia for a short holiday. High on my agenda were visits to new architectural and interior design projects in this city, which has developed so quickly that it has leapt 20 years ahead of ours. I managed to see a few residential enclaves that were being developed by friends in the industry, one of which was a development located on the highest elevation of the Mont Kiara area, at the fringe of the city.
We had a short yet thorough guided “tour” of a new development named “Seni,” which is the Malay word for art. Aptly so, the development promises its buyers the fine art of living.
One arrives at the compound via a private driveway that also services an adjacent project by the same developer. The driveway is expansive but very spare of details, yet nonetheless stunning in its use of black stone, finely ribbed granite and a sculpture to welcome the guest.
Towers
The development overlooks downtown Kuala Lumpur, including its shimmering landmark, the KLCC or Petronas Towers. Seni is made up of two 12-story residential blocks and two 40-story tower blocks. The taller towers look beyond the shorter ones onto views of the city skyline, and commanding views of its surroundings.
Between the shorter and taller blocks are the indoor amenity spaces and the outdoor recreational facilities, designed much like a luxurious tropical resort and probably one of the smartest and finest looking ones I’ve seen in awhile.
The buildings are named after famous artists—Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali and Monet—and are linked together by the outdoor recreational areas and landscaping—both soft and hardscaping—fit for a resort haven. While many developers stake their claim to this concept, Seni is one of the few that can boast of having delivered.
Amenities
Along this strip of amenities are two large swimming pools lined in turquoise tiles, reminiscent of the waters of white sand beaches; children’s pools, an expansive timber deck in rich reddish wood tones; whirlpools that can probably seat 15 (I’m guessing!) persons each; gardens and open play spaces. Because the pool does not get sunlight through the entire day, the water is heated to a temperature comfortable for swimming. A highlight in this green strip are a few frangipani or “calachuchi” trees transported from Bali, each more than 200 years old, looking like bonsai, and more like living sculptures for the garden.
By the fringes of this amenity strip, where the open spaces connect to the buildings, are various treatments that frame the edges: by the shorter blocks, water flows down along low walls from long reflecting pools that line the edges of the buildings; at the taller blocks, water flows along the length of the building in stepped cascades emanating from the reflecting pools.
At other areas, large pots fountain with water, which, interestingly, were originally intended to have fire and be lit like large torches. Unfortunately, the building officials would not issue a permit for such fiery design statement.
Being true to its concept, the development boasts its artistic features: its own art gallery or “art salon” as they call it; sculptures in the lobbies and at other focal points. Inside, the common or public spaces of the enclave are minimal, allowing the artwork to shine as the main decorative feature of the development.
The units themselves are quite exquisitely delivered: simple and prudent, with carefully selected materials, pleasant color combinations, elegant textures and fine proportions. Marble floors, a built-in dream kitchen designed by Malaysian celebrity Chef Wan, private lift lobbies, and ample storage and service spaces within the units, certainly promise a fine life well lived.
Contact the author through designdimensions@abi.ph or through our Asuncion Berenguer Facebook account.